Beautifying the Farmstead. 



31 



road. Some material always collects in the gutter, gradually rais- 

 ing it, so that i very feAV years it is desirable to lift the sod, remove 

 some of the dirt under it, and relay it. Although this may seem 

 like a good deal of a job, it will probably have to be done so in- 

 frequently as to prove one of the most economical ways of maintain- 

 ing a gutter. Where an artificial road surface is needed, it should 

 be as inconspicuous in color as possible. Cinders are one of the 

 most desirable private-road surfacings, both on account of the color 

 and because of good road-making qualities. Oyster shells, crushed 

 limestone, concrete, and light-colored brick each have an objection- 

 able color, contrasting too strongly with the normal green of 

 country surroundings. 

 Limestone combined 

 with some of the dark- 

 colored asphaltic oils 

 or concrete colored by 

 lampblack is pleasing 

 in appearance. 



Turf makes a good 

 surfacing for foot- 

 ways that are only in 

 use under favorable 

 weather conditions, 

 but those that are 

 used in wet weather, 

 especially if much 

 used when frost is 

 coming out of the 

 ground, need some 

 other material. Where 

 available, nothing is 

 more attractive than 

 flat stones placed in 

 the turf with the grass 

 growing between, as shown in figure 35, but they need to be set low 

 enough to permit the lawn mower to pass over them. If a cement 

 walk is necessary, a dark color should be given -it by the free use 

 of lampblack, while crushed-stone walks can be held together and 

 more suitably colored by using some asphalt or coal-tar preparation. 



SERVICE FEATURES. 



Provision must be made for features that facilitate the work of the 

 farm or increase the comfort of living. These include such things as 

 work yards, storage yards, and cattle yards about the barns, an ice 



FIG. 34. A turf gutter. 



